Portable beverage container

ABSTRACT

A portable beverage container is provided. The portable beverage container may include a glass vessel having a neck; a metal outer shell configured to surround a first portion of the glass vessel; a cap configured to engage with the metal outer shell to surround a second portion of the glass vessel; and an amorphous thermoplastic spout having a neck configured to be inserted through an opening in the cap and into the neck of the glass vessel. The spout may be configured to securely engage with the cap. The cap may include a lid with an elastomeric sealing member having a knob configured to extend into a recess in the spout and a recess configured to wrap around and over a lip of the spout. The spout may be removable from the cap while the cap is engaged with the outer shell.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/541,064 filed Aug. 14, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/586,160 filed May 3, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,414,555, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/331,911 filed May 4, 2016,the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to containers for liquid and,more particularly, to portable beverage containers.

SUMMARY

The disclosed subject matter relates to portable beverage containers.

In some implementations, the disclosed subject matter can be embodied ina portable beverage container having a glass vessel having a neck; ametal outer shell configured to surround a first portion of the glassvessel; a cap configured to engage with the metal outer shell tosurround a second portion of the glass vessel; and an amorphousthermoplastic spout having a neck configured to be inserted through anopening in the cap and into the neck of the glass vessel, where thespout is configured to securely engage with the cap.

In some implementations, the disclosed subject matter can be embodied ina portable beverage container having a rigid outer shell; a cap thatincludes: a base configured to engage with the rigid outer shell, and alid coupled to the base by a hinge, where the lid comprises anelastomeric sealing member on an internal surface thereof, theelastomeric sealing member including: a knob that protrudes from theinternal surface, and a recess that runs around the knob; an innervessel configured to be secured within the rigid outer shell and thecap; and a spout configured to securely engage with the cap, where thespout includes: a recess having an opening that is configured to befluidly coupled to the inner vessel; and a lip surrounding the recess,where, in a closed position for the lid, the knob is sealingly disposedwithin the recess of the spout and the recess of the elastomeric sealingmember wraps around and over the lip of the spout.

In some implementations, the disclosed subject matter can be embodied ina portable beverage container having: a rigid outer shell; a glass innervessel configured to be disposed at least partially within the rigidouter shell; a cap configured to be secured to the rigid outer shell;and a spout configured to be engaged with the cap and to extend throughan opening in the cap into a neck of the glass inner vessel, where thespout is removable from the cap while the cap is secured to the rigidouter shell.

In some implementations, the disclosed subject matter can be embodied ina portable beverage container having: a rigid outer shell; a glass innervessel configured to be disposed at least partially within the rigidouter shell, the glass inner vessel having a neck and a base; an uppershock absorber disposed around the neck of the glass inner vessel anddisposed between a first portion of the glass inner vessel and acorresponding first portion of the rigid outer shell; and a lower shockabsorber, where the base of the glass inner vessel is configured to restin the lower shock absorber, and where a portion of the lower shockabsorber is configured be disposed between a second portion of the glassinner vessel and a corresponding second portion of the rigid outershell.

It is understood that other configurations of the subject technologywill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, where various configurations of thesubject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. Aswill be realized, the subject technology is capable of other anddifferent configurations and its several details are capable ofmodification in various other respects, all without departing from thescope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the subject technology are set forth in theappended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, severalconfigurations of the subject technology are set forth in theaccompanying figures summarized below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a front view of an example portable beveragecontainer in accordance with some implementations of the subjecttechnology.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a rear view of an example portable beveragecontainer in accordance with some implementations of the subjecttechnology.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a top perspective view of an example portablebeverage container with an open lid in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a top rear-side perspective view of an examplelid for a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a side view of an example portable beveragecontainer with an open lid in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a top front-side perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container with an open lid in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example outer shell fora portable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a top front perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container with an open lid in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a top front-side perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container with an open lid and a removed spout inaccordance with some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a side perspective view of an example portablebeverage container with an open lid in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a side perspective view of an example portablebeverage container with an open lid shown in semi-transparency inaccordance with some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a perspective view of a lid member for aportable beverage container, the lid member shown in semi-transparencyin accordance with some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a front-side exploded perspective view of anexample lid for a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a rear-side exploded perspective view of anexample lid for a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example handle for aportable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example bottom shockabsorber for a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example patternedbottom shock absorber for a portable beverage container in accordancewith some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a perspective view of another example patternedbottom shock absorber for a portable beverage container in accordancewith some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a face-on view of another example patternedbottom shock absorber for a portable beverage container in accordancewith some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of an exploded perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of an exploded perspective view of an example capfor a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a top rear perspective view of an example capfor a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of a top side perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container with an open lid in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of a bottom perspective view of an example portablebeverage container in accordance with some implementations of thesubject technology.

FIG. 25 is a diagram of a top rear perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of a top front perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container and removed cap in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a top front perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container and removed cap and an open lid inaccordance with some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of a top front perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container and removed cap in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 29 is a diagram of an enlarged view of the top front-sideperspective view of the example portable beverage container of FIG. 9 inaccordance with some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 30 is a diagram of a cross-sectional side view of a portion of anexample portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 31 is a diagram of a cross-sectional perspective view of an exampleportable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIG. 32 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example cap for aportable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of an exploded perspective view of an example innervessel for a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of an exploded perspective view of an example capbase for a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example lid for aportable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIGS. 36 and 37 are diagrams of perspective views of a hinge member fora portable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIGS. 38 and 39 are diagrams of perspective views of a latch member fora lid of a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIGS. 40 and 41 are diagrams of perspective views of a lid member of aportable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIG. 42 is a diagram of a cross-sectional side view of the lid member ofFIGS. 40 and 41 in accordance with some implementations of the subjecttechnology.

FIG. 43 is a diagram of a cross-sectional perspective view of a portionof an example portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIGS. 44, 45, 46, and 47 are diagrams showing perspective views of aportion of an example portable beverage container during various stagesof assembly of a button and locking mechanism in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 48 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example button memberand finger mechanism for a portable beverage container in accordancewith some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 49 is a diagram of a cross-sectional side view of an example buttonmember and finger mechanism for a portable beverage container inaccordance with some implementations of the subject technology.

FIGS. 50, 51, and 52 are diagrams showing cross-sectional side views ofa portion of an example button member during various stages of operationin accordance with some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 53 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example detent pin fora portable beverage container in accordance with some implementations ofthe subject technology.

FIGS. 54 and 55 are diagrams of a perspective views of an example hingemember with a detent pin for a portable beverage container in accordancewith some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 56 is a diagram of a cross-sectional view of an example hingemember with a detent pin for a portable beverage container in accordancewith some implementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 57 is a diagram of a cross-sectional perspective view of an examplespout for a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 58 is a diagram of a cross-sectional perspective view of a portionof an example upper shock absorber implemented in a portable beveragecontainer in accordance with some implementations of the subjecttechnology.

FIG. 59 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example upper shockabsorber for a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 60 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example lower shockabsorber for a portable beverage container in accordance with someimplementations of the subject technology.

FIG. 61 is a diagram of a cross-sectional perspective view of a portionof an example lower shock absorber implemented in a portable beveragecontainer in accordance with some implementations of the subjecttechnology.

FIG. 62 is a diagram of a top view of a portable beverage container witha lid removed in accordance with some implementations of the subjecttechnology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofvarious configurations of the subject technology and is not intended torepresent the only configurations in which the subject technology may bepracticed. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitutea part of the detailed description. The subject technology is notlimited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practicedwithout these specific details.

The disclosed implementations include a portable beverage containerhaving an outer shell, a cap, an inner vessel, and a spout. The outershell, the cap, the inner vessel, and the spout may be easily separablefor easy cleaning or replacement of all components. In an assembledconfiguration for the portable beverage container, the inner vessel maybe resiliently secured within the outer shell by the outer shell, thecap, and the spout to provide shock absorption for the inner vessel. Inthis way, the use of materials for the inner vessel (e.g., glass) thatmay be helpful for storing liquids, hygienically and without chemicalcontamination, can be facilitated.

As described in further detail hereinafter, the shape, materials, andassembled arrangement of the portable beverage container may provide amore hygienic drinking container that reduces or eliminates variousfeatures that can allow growth of mold or other contaminants on orwithin the container or its components, relative to existing containers.In this way, a hygienic portable beverage container may be provided,along with other advantageous container features as described herein.The shape, materials, and assembled arrangement of the portable beveragedevice may also provide a more durable drinking container that is lesssusceptible to damage than existing containers.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a portable beverage container 100 inaccordance an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, container 100 may have a“bullet-shaped” outer profile and may include an outer shell 102(sometimes referred to herein as an outer sleeve, a shell, or a sleeve)and a cap 108. Inner vessel 101 can be seen through some of openings 114in outer shell 102. As shown, cap 108 may include a lid 104 and a handle106. In the example of FIG. 1, container 100 is shown in an assembledconfiguration with a closed lid.

In various implementations, inner vessel 101 may be a glass vessel, aplastic vessel, a metal vessel, or a vessel formed from a combination ofthese or other materials. For example, vessel 101 may be formed entirelyfrom glass or may be formed from other materials such as Tritan™, or atransparent, thermoplastic polyamide that is based on aliphatic,cycloaliphatic and aromatic components (e.g., Grilamid® plastic). Innervessel 101 may have a neck. Outer shell 102 may be configured tosurround at least a first portion of the inner vessel 101 such that cap108 is configured to engage with the outer shell 102 (e.g., by screwingcap 108 onto the outer shell) to surround a second portion of the innervessel 101. In this way, inner vessel 101 may be substantially disposedwithin outer shell 102 and cap 108.

Cap 108 may include an opening mechanism with a button 110 and a lockingmechanism having a switch 111 visible in the front view of FIG. 1. Asshown, button 110 and switch 111 may be disposed on a sidewall of cap108. Switch 111 may, for example, be a toggle switch that, in a lockedposition, prevents actuation of button 110, thereby preventinginadvertent opening of lid 104 and/or spillage of a liquid inside thecontainer. In some embodiments, switch 111 may extend (protrude) furtherfrom the outer sidewall surface than button 110 so that, even in anunlocked position, switch 111 may prevent actuation of button 110 ifcontainer 100 falls over in the direction of button 110.

The opening mechanism for container 100, which may include button 110,internal structures, and one or more hinge features, may provide arelatively slow opening operation for lid 104 to prevent a quick“popping” open of lid 104 which can allow hot gasses accumulated withinthe container to quickly escape and risk causing injury or discomfort toa user. For example, pressing button 110 may initiate a two-stageopening process that allows pressurized gas to escape safely anddiffusely before lid 104 is fully opened. The two-stage opening processmay include opening motions at two or more different speeds, openingmotions with speed gradient, or continuous opening motion that issufficiently slow that portions of lid 104 cooperate with portions of aninternal spout to control the release of gasses as described in furtherdetail hereinafter. Button 110 may have a curved outer shape. Switch 111may be implemented as an oval or rectangular bar for locking andunlocking of the opening mechanism.

In one embodiment, outer shell 102 is formed from aluminum. For example,outer shell 102 may be formed from anodized aluminum or double anodizedaluminum. However, this is merely illustrative. In other embodiments,outer shell 102 may be formed from other rigid materials such as metalsother than aluminum (e.g., steel) or plastic. In the example of FIG. 1,outer shell 102 includes a plurality of openings 114 disposed in acylindrical portion of the outer shell and may include an inward curvedportion 116 at a bottom side.

Outer shell 102 may form an aluminum sleeve perforated with differentsize round holes as shown in FIG. 1. However, the round shape of holes114 in FIG. 1 is merely illustrative and other openings are contemplatedsuch as square openings, heart-shaped openings, letter-shaped openingsor a combination of different shaped openings of various size (asexamples). In some implementations, outer shell 102 may be a solid outershell without openings in the cylindrical portion.

Outer shell 102 may, for example, be formed by cutting a cylindrical(e.g., aluminum) tube, perforating the cut cylindrical tube (e.g., bylaser cutting or other methods) to form openings 114 and bending inwardan end of the cut tube (or adding, by welding for example, a cup-shapedbottom portion) to form inwardly curved portion 116, and anodizing theperforated and curved cut tube. However, this is merely illustrative. Inother embodiments, outer shell 102 may be formed by perforating sheetmetal (e.g., a sheet of aluminum) to form openings 114, cutting theperforated sheet metal, rolling the perforated cut sheet metal to form acylinder with an inwardly curved edge portion, and welding (e.g.,seamlessly welding) rolled edges of the cylinder to form the outershell. In yet other embodiments, outer shell 102 may be formed frommolded plastic or other materials. Outer shell 102 may be rigid andspaced apart from the inner vessel 101 so that a user can handle outershell 102 without conductive heat transfer between the user's hand andinner vessel 101. In various embodiments, inner vessel may be a glassbottle.

In various implementations, cap 108 may be formed from glass, metal,and/or a polymer material such as plastic (as examples). Cap 108 may bescrewed onto, and off of, outer shell 102 (e.g., using a threadedinterface as described in further detail hereinafter).

As shown in FIG. 1, container 100 may include a foot 112 such as arubber, elastomeric, or plastic foot that protrudes from the bottom ofouter shell 102 to provide a bottom surface for container 100. In thisway, a foot may be provided for container 100. Foot 112 may be formedfrom a non-slip material (e.g., rubber or other elastomeric materials)that prevents sliding or skidding of the container on a smooth surface.However, this is merely illustrative. In some implementations, foot 112may be formed from a rigid material such as hard plastic that allowssliding of container 100 on a smooth surface. In some implementations,non-slip and slip feet may be interchangeably provided for container100. As discussed in further detail hereinafter, foot 112 may beinternally connected to shock absorption structures (e.g., a silicone orPoron® foam cup) for inner vessel 101.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of portable beverage container 100. As shown inFIG. 2, cap 108 may include a hinge (e.g., a metal hinge such as a steelhinge or an aluminum hinge) for lid 104. Hinge 200 may protrude from cap108 or may be recessed within cap 108. Handle 106 may be an arced handledisposed over a top platform 202 of lid 104. Top platform 202 of lid 104may have a concave curved surface (e.g., an indented surface) to allowspace for a user's fingers between handle 106 and platform 202 for easyand secure lifting and carrying of container 100.

FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of portable beverage container 100in which lid 104 is in an open position. As shown in FIG. 4, container100 may include a transparent spout 300 having a central recess 316 andone or more openings such as 314 within recess 316. Spout 300 may beformed from glass or other transparent rigid materials such as Tritan™or a transparent, thermoplastic polyamide that is based on aliphatic,cycloaliphatic and aromatic components (e.g., Grilamid® plastic). Inthis way, spout 300 may be formed from a monolithiccontaminant-resistant, easily-cleanable material that prevents buildupof bacteria, mold, or other undesirable substances.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, spout 300 is engaged with base 302of cap 108 and base 302 is engaged with outer shell 102. However, spout300 may be removable from base 302 to allow easy cleaning and/orreplacement of spout 300 and/or for filling or emptying of inner vessel101. For example, spout 300 may be removed by turning spout 300 withrespect to base 302 to unlock and/or unscrew spout 300 from base 302. Inthis way, spout 300 may be removable whether or not cap 108 is engagedwith outer shell 102. Moreover, in this way, access may be provided toinner vessel 101 without removal of cap 108.

As shown in FIG. 3, lid 104 may include an elastomeric sealing member308 inlaid on an inner surface of the lid. In the example of FIG. 3,elastomeric sealing member 308 includes an inlay knob 310 that protrudesfrom the inner surface of the lid and a recess 312 that runs around theknob 310. When lid 104 is rotated about hinge 200 to close the lid, knob310 is configured to sealingly engage with some or all of the innersurface of recess 316 in spout 300 to seal opening 314 for spill andleak proof performance of spout 300 when lid 104 is in a closedposition. In this way, the drop down knob 310 feeds into recess 316 ofspout 300 to ensure the leak and spill proof performance. Moreover,recess 312 may be configured to wrap around and over lip 318 of spout300 to further ensure the leak and spill proof performance in the closedposition for lid 104.

Upon opening of lid 104 (e.g., by pressing button 110 of FIG. 1 to allowlid 104 to rotate about hinge 200 from the closed positon to an openposition), the release of knob 310 from the spout may trigger, forexample, a two-step opening process. The two-step opening process firstallows the lid to move from the closed position to an intermediateposition between the closed position and the opening position such thatthe outermost surface of knob 310 is separated from the inner surface ofrecess 316 to unseal opening 314 while knob 310 is still substantiallydisposed within recess 316. In this way, any built-up pressure in innervessel 101 (e.g., pressure created by evaporation of a hot liquid), canbe released through opening 314 when no direct path out of cap 108 tothe user exists. Instead, upon opening of the cap, any released gas frominner vessel 101 is directed along the sidewalls of knob 310 between theknob and the spout, and redirected by recess 312, thereby dispersing andslowing the released gas into the cap before release of any gas into theexternal environment.

The two-step opening process then allows knob 310 to fully exit recess316, after release of any pressurized gas, and move to the open positionto provide the user with drinking access to the spout. Opening 314 inspout 300 may be fluidly coupled to the inner cavity of inner vessel 101in which drinking fluids may be stored.

The two-step opening process may be provided, in one example, by amechanism such as hinge 200 having a spring that recoils to provide anopening force to lid 104, the spring having a sufficiently slow recoilthat gas from the inner vessel can escape as controlled by knob 310,recess 312, and spout 300 before the entire length of knob 310 hasexcited recess 316. In another example, hinge 200 may include amulti-spring mechanism in which two or more springs combine to provide afirst recoil, at a first recoil speed, to partially open lid 104 quicklyto a first position in which knob 310 is at least partially disposedwithin recess 316 and a second recoil, at a second, slower recoil speed,to more slowly open lid 104 from the first position to a fully openposition. In yet another example, hinge 200 may include hydraulicmechanism that provides an opening force on lid 104 with a gradientopening speed such that, when button 110 is pressed, lid 104 begins toopen quickly, but is prevented, by the hydraulic mechanism within hinge200 from being forced open too quickly either by gas pressure of by auser's effort.

Hinge 200 may also provide a snap-fit locking mechanism that holds lid104 in the open position shown in FIG. 3 until a force sufficient todisengage the locking mechanism of hinge 200 is provided on lid 104. Inthis way, lid 104 may be provided with a locked open position thatprevents lid 104 from unintentional closing (e.g., while a user isdrinking from spout 300).

FIG. 3 also shows how lid 104 may be provided with a latching structuresuch as a tooth 306 extending from lid 104. Tooth 306 may be configuredto extend into an opening in base 302 to engage with a locking andclosing/opening mechanism therewithin so that lid 104 is secured in aclosed position when tooth 306 is disposed in the opening in base 302and button 110 is not pressed. The leak and spill proof function isprovided with the (e.g., silicone) elastomer 308 in the cap 108 whichseals at the top of the spout 300 and on the middle (e.g., bottom)platform within recess 316, where liquid flows through when opened.

FIG. 4 shows a top rear-side perspective view of lid 104. As shown inFIG. 4, tooth 306 may be attached at an inner surface 401 of lid 104.Tooth 306 may be adhesively attached to inner surface 401 ormechanically attached to inner surface 401 in some embodiments. Inanother embodiment, in order to provide increased strength for lid 104and cap 108, tooth 306 may be integrally formed with a portion 304 ofhinge 200 via an overmolded metal structure within lid 104 as will bediscussed in further detail hereinafter.

Hinge member 304 may be rotatably attached to hinge member 400 by, forexample, a pin 402. Hinge member 400 may be securely engaged within base302 of cap 108.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a portion of portable beverage container 100with an open lid 104. As shown in FIG. 5, removable spout 300 may have aunique slanted shape in which lip 318, in side profile, is angleddownwardly toward base 302 in a direction away from a drinking edge 503of spout 300. A forward surface 500 of spout 300 may have a concaveprofile configured to provide a comfortable landing platform for thebottom lip of a drinking user. As shown, concave surface 500 may beconfigured to match the shape of upper surface 501 of base 302 so that asmooth drinking surface is provided with little or no feature on, about,or under which contaminants can remain. In this way, an ergonomic andhygienic drinking spout is provided.

As shown in FIG. 5, spout 300 may include one or more protrusions suchas fin 504 at or near the back or side of the spout to provide a gripfor a user for easy unlocking and removal of spout 300 from base 302.

FIG. 6 shows a top front-side perspective view of portable beveragecontainer 100 in which an additional opening 600, that may in someimplementations be provided in spout 300, is visible. Additional opening600 may provide a vent hole that allows airflow into inner vessel 101while liquid flows out of main opening 314. Also visible in the viewshown in FIG. 6 is an opening 602 into which tooth 306 of lid 104 issecured when lid 104 is in a closed position. In this way, a latchingmechanism (e.g., tooth 306) may be provided on a hinged lid (e.g., lid104), the latching mechanism configured to be engaged within an opening602 in base 302 when the hinged lid is in a closed positon to secure thehinged lid in the closed position. Button 110 may be operated todisengage the latching mechanism 306 in the opening 602 in the base 302to allow the hinged lid 104 to move from the closed position (see, e.g.,FIGS. 1 and 2) to an open position (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4).

FIG. 7 shows outer shell 102 separately from the other components ofportable beverage container 100. As shown in FIG. 7, outer shell 102 mayinclude a threaded member 702 disposed at the upper edge of the innersurface thereof. Threaded member 702 may be a separate (e.g., plastic)threaded member that is attached (e.g., adhesively or mechanicallyattached) to the inner surface of shell 102. However, this is merelyillustrative. In other embodiments threaded member 702 may be formedfrom threads that are integrally machined into the inner surface ofshell 102. Cap 108 and outer shell 102 may be attached by engagingcorresponding threads on cap 108 with threaded member 702.

FIG. 8 shows a top front perspective view of portable beverage container100 in which openings 314 and 600 in spout 300 and opening 602 in base302 are more clearly shown. FIG. 8 also shows an alignment mark 800 onbase 302 that indicates the locked position for fin 504 to indicate to auser that spout 300 is securely engaged with cap 108 (e.g., spout 300 isin an engaged position). Alignment mark 800 may be an impression in thematerial of base 302 or may be a separate alignment mark that is printedon or affixed to base 302. Although fin 504 and alignment mark 800 areshown at the rear of cap 108, this is merely illustrative. In variousimplementations, one or more fins on spout 300 and correspondingalignment marks on base 302 may be disposed (e.g., at regular angularintervals) around the circumferences of spout 300 and base 302. Forexample, in one embodiment, fins and corresponding alignment marks maybe provided on opposing left and right sides of spout 300 and base 302to provide two balanced features that facilitate installation andremoval of spout 300.

The view of FIG. 8 also shows that the inner surface of lid 104, formedfrom a combination of the surface of member 308 and interior surface401, includes only smooth surfaces and relatively large radii curves(e.g., curves associated with knob 310 and recess 312) to facilitateeasy, effective cleaning either by wiping or in a dishwasher.

FIG. 9 shows a top front-side perspective view of portable beveragecontainer 100 with lid 104 in an open configuration and spout 300removed from cap 108. As shown in FIG. 9, spout 300 and inner vessel 101may be two separate parts. Providing a separate spout and inner vesselin this way may allow for a wider opening at the neck 906 of the innervessel. A wider neck opening may facilitate easy cleaning of innervessel 101 and may also facilitate user features such as the ability toinsert ice cubes, fruits, or other solid beverage additions into theinner vessel. In one embodiment, spout 300 is removable from cap 108 by,for example, a quarter turn of spout 300.

As shown in FIG. 9, a removable gasket 900 may be disposed around theneck 905 of spout 300. Gasket 900 may be an elastomeric ring formed, forexample, from silicone and stretchable for installation on neck 905 ofspout 300. In order to attach spout 300 to container 100, neck 905 ofspout 300 (with gasket 900 disposed thereon) may be inserted into neck906 of inner vessel 101. As neck 905 of spout 300 is inserted into neck906 of inner vessel 101, gasket 900 of spout 300 may be compressedbetween the neck 905 and neck 906. In this way, gasket 900 may provide asealed barrier against leakage of liquid from inner vessel 101 to theouter surface of the inner vessel or other interior locations withinouter shell 102. In some implementations, spout 300 may be formed from atransparent material that allows a user to see through the spout togasket 900. In this way, the user may be provided with the ability toverify that gasket 900 is properly installed. In some implementations,gasket 900 may be colored to enhance visibility of the gasket throughspout 300.

The compressibility of gasket 900 may provide shock absorption betweeninner vessel 101 and spout 300. When spout 300 is secured in base 302 ofcap 108, neck 905 of spout 300 may provide inner vessel 101, via gasket900 with additional stabilization and shock absorption.

In some implementations, spout 300 may be an amorphous thermoplasticspout having a neck 905 configured to be inserted through an opening 909in the cap 108 (e.g., in base 302) and into the neck 906 of the innervessel 101. Spout 300 may be configured to securely engage with the cap108. Gasket 900 may be configured to be disposed between the neck 905 ofthe spout 300 and the neck 906 of the inner vessel 101 to preventleakage between the neck 905 of the spout and the neck 906 of the innervessel and to provide shock absorption between the neck 905 of the spoutand the neck 906 of the glass vessel. Gasket 900 may be implemented asan elastomeric ring configured to be mounted on an outer surface of theneck 905 of spout 300.

Although FIG. 9 shows gasket 900 formed around a neck 905 of spout 300that is configured to extend into neck 906 of inner vessel 101, this ismerely illustrative. In other implementations, gasket 900 may form aportion of neck 905 of spout 300 such that, when, when gasket 905(attached to spout 300) is inserted through opening 909 in cap 108,gasket 900 extends downward from spout 300 into contact with an upperlip of inner vessel 101 to form a seal with the upper lip. In theseimplementations, gasket 900 forms a portion of the flow path of fluidfrom inner vessel 101 through spout 300 when liquid is poured fromcontainer 100. In these implementations, no portion of spout 300 extendsinto inner vessel 100.

As discussed in further detail hereinafter, an additional shockabsorbing member (not visible in FIG. 9) may be disposed within outershell 102 and compressed between outer shell 102 and inner vessel 101when inner vessel 101 is inside of outer shell 102 to provide additionalstability and shock absorption to inner vessel 101. In this way, innervessel 101 may be provided with sufficient stability and shockabsorption that breakage or other damage may be prevented even in theevent of a significant shock (e.g., by dropping of container 100 on ahard surface by the user).

Spout 300 may be formed from the same material as inner vessel 101 orspout 300 and inner vessel 101 may be formed from different materials.In one implementation that is sometimes discussed herein as an example,inner vessel 101 is formed from glass and spout 300 is formed from apolymer such as Grilamid® plastic. In this way, the hygienic propertiesof a glass vessel may be provided for a user while also enhancing thesafety of the drinking interface of container 100. Moreover, becausespout 300 is easily separable, without requiring removal of cap 108 fromouter shell 102, the hygienic properties of the overall container can beeasily maintained (e.g., by replacing and/or washing spout 300).

Providing a spout with a neck 905 that extends into the neck 906 ofinner vessel 101 and is sealed by a gasket 900 therebetween may alsohelp prevent liquid from inside vessel 101 from reaching threadedfeatures of cap 108, shell 102, and/or spout 300 by arranging theinterface between spout 300 and inner vessel 101 at a location that isspaced apart from (e.g., separated by an air gap) from the threadedfeatures. In this way, further reduction of the potential for trapping,storage, or growth of unwanted substances can be provided.

Spout 300 may include engagement features 904 configured to lockinglyengage with corresponding engagement features 902 on the cap 108, whilethe spout is disposed in the opening 909 of the cap. The engagementfeatures 904 of the spout 300 may include a locking engagement featurethat locks the spout 300 in an engaged position in the opening. Externalfin 504 of spout 300 (see, e.g., FIG. 5) may be configured to provide agrip for a user to disengage the locking engagement feature of the spoutfor removal of the spout by turning (e.g., by a quarter turn) of thespout.

As noted above in connection with FIG. 3, in some implementations, tooth306 and hinge member 304 may be formed as portions of a common insertmolded structure within lid 104. FIGS. 10-12 show various views of lid104 in an implementation in which tooth 306 and hinge member 304 areformed as portions of a common insert molded structure within lid 104.

FIG. 10 shows an assembled side perspective view of portable beveragecontainer 100 with lid 104 in an open position and showing hinge member304 and tooth 306 protruding from within cap 108. In the example of FIG.11, an outer layer of lid 104 is not shown so that an inner cap ring1100 can be seen. As shown in FIG. 11, inner cap ring 1100 may includeintegrally formed features that include tooth 306 and hinge member 304.For example, inner cap ring 1100 may be a continuous, substantiallycylindrical ring that runs round the lower edge of lid 104 and whichincludes hinge member 304 and tooth 306 integrally formed thereon onopposing sides. In this way, a stronger latching mechanism, a stronghinge structure, and enhanced overall stability and strength may beprovided for lid 104. In this way, tooth 306 and hinge member 304 may bemounted to lid 104 in an aesthetically pleasing manner in which tooth306 and hinge member 304 appear to “float” at respective locationswithin lid 104. Inner cap ring 1100 may be formed from rigid materialsuch as metal (e.g., aluminum or steel) to form a rigid cap ring. Aplastic or other polymer material 1000 may be overmolded onto inner capring 1100 to form lid 104.

A perspective view of a molded lid member 1200 is shown in FIG. 12 inpartial transparency so that inner cap ring 1100 can be seentherewithin. In the perspective view of FIG. 12, surface features of lidmember 1200 can be seen. For example, a top surface 1201 of lid member1200 may include openings 1202 and 1204. Openings 1202 may be configuredto receive corresponding engagement features on elastomeric sealingmember 308. Opening 1204 may be configured to receive a correspondingengagement member of an additional lid member.

In particular, as shown in the exploded front-side perspective view oflid 104 in FIG. 13, lid 104 may include an additional lid member 1300having a protrusion 1302 and one or more notches 1304. Protrusion 1302may be a cylindrical protrusion configured to extend into opening 1204of lid member 1200 upon assembly of lid 104. Notches 1304 may beconfigured to receive engagement members 1306 of handle 106 uponassembly of lid 104. When lid member 1300 is engaged with lid member1200, engagement members 1306 may be secured between lid member 1300 andlid member 1200 within notches 1304. Protrusions 1308 of elastomericmember 308 may be configured to extend into openings 1202 to help secureelastomeric member 308 to lid member 1200.

FIG. 14 shows a rear-side exploded perspective view of lid 104 in whichprotrusions 1308 of elastomeric sealing member 308 can be more easilyseen. As shown in FIG. 14, lid member 1200 may also include interiorprotrusions 1404 that help position and secure engagement members 1306between lid member 1200 and lid member 1300 within notches 1304. Lidmember 1300 may be formed from a rigid structure 1402 and a relativelysofter material 1400 that provides a softer outer surface with which auser may contact during use. For example, material 1400 may be anelastomeric material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materialthat is overmolded onto a rigid plastic member 1402.

The various components of lid 104 shown and described in connection withFIGS. 13 and 14 can be secured together (e.g., using adhesives,mechanical couplings such as press-fit or snap-fit couplings, and/orfusion coupling via welding such as ultrasonic welding) to form a lidstructure 104 that is configured to be attached to base 302 at hinge200.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of handle 106 in which an elastomericouter material 1500 of handle 106 is shown in partial transparency toshow that handle 106 may include an inner rigid member 1502. Forexample, rigid member 1502 may be a metal (e.g., aluminum or steel)handle that is overmolded with elastomer such as a thermoplasticelastomer (TPE) material. In this way, a rigid, strong handle can beprovided with a comfortable user grip. As shown, engagement member 1306may be end portions of an arced inner rigid member 1502 that extendbeyond the edges of the overmolded elastomer 1500.

As noted above, in various implementations, container 100 may beprovided with shock absorbing structures for inner vessel 101. The shockabsorbing structures may include bottom shock absorbing structures,various implementations of which are shown in FIGS. 16-19. Inparticular, FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an example bottom shockabsorber 1600 that may be engaged within outer shell 102 at a bottom endand configured to receive and support a corresponding bottom end ofinner vessel 101. In the example of FIG. 16, bottom shock absorber 1600is formed from a foam 1604 (e.g., a Poron® foam) disposed within a cupstructure 1606. Cup structure 1606 and foam 1604 may be formed with anopening 1602. Cup structure 1606 may be rigid or flexible and may beformed from plastic or other more flexible materials such as silicone.In the example of FIG. 16, foam 1604 has a smooth top surface. However,this is merely illustrative. As shown in FIG. 17, foam 1604 may beprovided with protruding structures such as pyramidal protrusions 1700that further enhance the shock absorbing properties of the foam. Asshown in FIGS. 18 and 19, polygonal protrusions 1800 having a flat topsurface may be provided instead of pyramidal protrusions 1700. However,the protrusions of FIGS. 17-19 are merely illustrative and othersuitable shock absorbing features, structures, shapes, or location-basedstiffness of foam 1604 may be used as desired.

FIG. 20 shows an exploded perspective view of an example implementationof portable beverage container 100. Various features of cap 108 and lid104 of FIG. 20 are different from those described above in connectionwith FIGS. 1-19. It should be appreciated that, in variousimplementations, any of the features of the implementation shown in FIG.20 can be combined with any of the features described above inconnection with FIGS. 1-19 without departing from the spirit of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary implementation of inner vessel 101. As shownin FIG. 20, inner vessel may be a transparent (e.g., glass) vesselhaving a cylindrical central portion 2000, a neck 906, a lip 2004, ashoulder 2011 disposed between the cylindrical portion 2000 and neck906, and a recessed bottom portion 2002 (sometimes referred to as abase).

A bottom portion of inner vessel 101 such as recessed bottom portion2002 may be shaped and configured to seat within shock absorber 1600(e.g., within the shock-absorbing cup). In the example of FIG. 20, shockabsorber 1600 is formed from a shock-absorbing cup 2001 (e.g., asilicone cup or a hybrid silicone and foam cup as described herein) andfoot 112 described above in connection with FIG. 1. Upon assembly ofcontainer 100, cup 2001 may be attached (e.g., adhesively) to foot 112and a structure formed from the attached foot 112 and cup 2001 may beinserted into outer shell 102 from the top side and moved through thecylindrical shell to the bottom side thereof. As shown, foot 112 mayinclude a recess 2003 configured to engage a bottom edge of shell 102.Foot 112 may be mechanically secured to shell 102 or may be adhesivelysealed to shell 102.

In the example of FIG. 20, threaded member 702 is formed from a separatemember (e.g., a plastic member) that, upon assembly, is adhesivelyattached to the interior surface of outer shell 102 to provideengagement structures (e.g., threads) for corresponding engagementstructures (e.g., threads) on cap 108.

FIG. 20 also shows an additional shock absorption member 2010, which maybe permanently or removably disposed within cap 108 to provide top-sideor upper shock absorption for inner vessel 101. For example, additionalshock absorption member 2010 may be attached to an inner wall of cap 108such that, when cap 108 is screwed onto outer shell 102 while innervessel 101 is disposed within the outer shell 102, additional shockabsorption member 2010 surrounds and contacts neck 906 and/or shoulder2011 of inner vessel 101. In one implementation, additional shockabsorption member 2010 may be a silicone and/or foam ring that isadhesively attached to interior surface 2090 of thread member 2008. Inanother implementation, additional shock absorption member 2010 may be asilicone and/or foam ring that snap-fits into place within interiorsurface 2090 of thread member 2008. For example, inner surface 2090 mayinclude a recess or a protrusion that engages with a correspondingprotrusion or recess of shock absorption member 2010 to secure shockabsorption member 2010 to inner surface 2090 of threaded ring 2008.

When cap 108 is screwed onto outer shell 102, additional shockabsorption member 2010 may be compressed onto the shoulder 2011 of innervessel 101 to secure inner vessel 101 in place within outer shell 102.In another example, a further additional shock absorption member such asa silicone ring or bump may be adhesively attached to the inner surfaceof outer shell 102 at a location below threaded member 702 and justabove the location at which shoulder 2011 of inner vessel 101 seats whenrecessed portion 2002 of inner vessel 101 is seated in cup 2001.

Additional shock absorption member 2010 may be a cylindricalshock-absorbing ring having an inner radius that is smaller than theouter radius of inner vessel 101 at shoulder 2011. In this way,additional shock absorption member 2010 may be sized and positioned suchthat, when inner vessel 101 is fully inserted into outer shell 102 andcap 108 is secured to outer shell 102, shock absorber 2010 bearsdownwardly and inwardly on shoulder 2011 to both secure inner vessel 101in place and absorb any external shock to outer shell 102 or cap 108 toprevent damage to inner vessel 101.

The bottom of a glass implementation of inner vessel 101 may beprotected from impact or damage by cup 2001, positioned between theglass and the bottom of outer shell 102. The shock absorption cup 2001may be co-molded to the bottom ring 112, which may also prevent thecontainer 100 from skidding as described herein, in some embodiments.Accordingly, in this implementation, shock absorption cup 2001 at thebottom, and a silicone ring 2010 just below the (e.g., plastic) thread702 at the top of the aluminum sleeve 102, may keep a glass bottle 101in a resiliently locked position.

The implementation of inner vessel 101, outer shell 102, shock absorbers1600 and 2010 and thread member 702 of FIG. 20 may be used, in variousembodiments, with a cap 108 having some or all of the features describedabove in connection with FIGS. 1-19. However, this is merelyillustrative. In other embodiments, the implementation of inner vessel101, outer shell 102, shock absorbers 1600 and 2010 and thread member702 may be used with other embodiments of cap 108 such as the embodimentshown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

As shown in FIG. 20, in one implementation, a lid 104′ may be providedfor container 100 that includes a handle 106′, lid member 2016, a hingemember 2020 and a latch member 306′ in which latch member 306′ isconfigured to be secured within a recess in lid member 2016. Hingemember 2020 may be configured to be secured within an additional recessin lid member 2016 that is located in opposition to the opening forlatch member 306′

In the example of FIG. 20, spout 300 is provided with an extended gasketmember 2006 having a plurality of cylindrical protrusions that may helpprovide additional sealing and shock absorption between the neck ofspout 300 and neck 906 of inner vessel 101 in an assembledconfiguration. In the implementation shown in FIG. 20, the base of cap108 may be formed from a first base member 2013 (e.g., a rigid plasticmember) having openings 2012 and 2014, a hinge member 2018 configured torotatably couple to hinge member 2020 of lid 104′, an opening andlocking assembly 2009, and a second base member 2008 (e.g., a rigidplastic member such as a threaded ring) having threads 2007 configuredto engage with thread member 702 to secure the cap to outer shell 102.

Further details of opening and locking assembly 2009 are shown in theexploded perspective view of cap 108 shown in FIG. 21 in accordance withsome implementations.

As shown in FIG. 21, opening and locking assembly 2009 may includebutton member 110, switch member 111, interface structure 2100 (e.g., amolded plastic interface structure), interior fixture 2101 (e.g., amolded plastic fixture with rigid mating structures such as metal matingstructures), and pin 2103. In an assembled configuration for opening andlocking assembly 2009, compression of button 110 may cause interfacestructure 2100 to move such that a latching feature 2114 disengages fromlatching features 306′ (or 306) to release lid 104′ (or 104) foropening. However, as shown in FIG. 21, switch 111 may include a lateralprotrusion 2110 that extends from the switch in the direction of button110 within cap 108 such that, when switch is in a first (e.g., locked)position, protrusion 2110 is disposed within a recess 2115 of interfacestructure 2100, thereby preventing actuation of interface structure 2100and button 110 and preventing opening of lid 104′ (or 104).

Moving switch 111 from the first (e.g., locked) position to a second(e.g., unlocked) position (e.g., by sliding switch 111 up or down alongpin 2103) may slide protrusion 2110 out of recess 2115 thereby allowingactuation of interface structure 2100 by compression of button 110. Inan assembled configuration, button 110 may be disposed within andprotrude from opening 2012. In the assembled configuration, switch 111may be disposed within and protrude from opening 2014. Interfacestructure 2100 may be resiliently mounted (e.g., by spring loading)between button 110 and structure 2102 with a resting position that isbiased outward from cap 108.

In the example of FIG. 21, lid 104′ is provided with an elastomericsealing member 2112 with a recess 2116 that does not include a knob asdiscussed above in connection with, for example, FIG. 3. However, thisis merely illustrative. In various implementations, the lid forcontainer 100 may be provided with or without a knob.

FIG. 22 shows a top rear perspective view of portable beverage container100 in which it can be seen that handle 106 has an arc shape that ismatched to the arc shape of lid 104 such that a domed overall shape forcap 108 is provided in which the aligned handle 106 perfects orcompletes the domed shape.

FIG. 23 shows a top side perspective view of a portion of portablebeverage container 100 in an assembled configuration in which the lid isimplemented as in the examples of FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 24 shows a bottom perspective view of portable beverage container100 in accordance with some implementations. As shown in FIG. 24, foot112 may be engaged with a bottom edge of outer shell 102. Outer shell102 and foot 112 may include co-aligned openings that form a bottomopening 2400 for container 100 that allows a view into inner vessel 101from the bottom.

FIG. 25 shows a top rear perspective view portable beverage container inwhich it can be seen that the handle 106 may have an arc shape that ismatched to the arc shape of lid 104 such that a domed overall shape capis provided in which the aligned handle 106 perfects or completes thedomed shape.

FIGS. 26, 27, and 28 show a top front perspective view of portablebeverage container 100 in various states of assembly in accordance withsome implementations. In particular, FIG. 26 shows portable beveragecontainer 100 with inner vessel 101 disposed within outer shell 102 suchthat neck 906 protrudes from a top edge of outer shell 102. In thisarrangement, inner vessel 101 may be secured within outer shell 102 byopposing forces from an upper shock absorber 2010 and a lowershock-absorbing cup 1600. In the example of FIG. 26, cap 108 has beenunscrewed from outer shell 102 (e.g., by rotating cap 108 to unscrew anddisengage threads 2007 from threaded member 702) and lifted to removethe neck of the spout (not visible in FIG. 26) from neck 906.

In the example of FIG. 27, lid 104 is in an open position so that spout300, which has been removed from neck 906 of inner vessel 101 can beseen.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 28, spout 300 has been removed from cap108. The example of FIG. 28 illustrates how spout 300 can be removedfrom cap 108 from the top side of the cap (e.g., the side opposite theside that engages with outer shell 102). In this way, a removable spoutis provided that can be easily disengaged (e.g., for replacement and/orcleaning and/or for filling or emptying of vessel 101) without removingcap 108 (e.g., while cap 108 is secured to outer shell 102).

FIG. 29 shows an enlarged view of the implementation of portablebeverage container 100 of FIG. 9 in which spout 300 has been removedfrom the top side of base 302 of cap 108. In the enlarged view of FIG.29, engagement features by which spout 300 can be secured to cap 108 canbe seen. For example, base 302 of cap 108 may include engagementfeatures in opening 909 such as a front cutout 2902, a rear cutout 2900,upper ridges 2904 that each run along the interior edge of opening 909between front cutout 2902 and rear cutout 2900, and lower ridgestructures 2906.

Front recess 2902 may be configured to receive a correspondingly-shapededge protrusion 2910 on circumferential edge 2911 of spout 300 whenspout 300 is engaged with base 302 such that a smooth, continuoussurface is generated at the interface between base 302 and spout 300 atthe front of base 302. Rear recess 2904 may be configured to receive acorrespondingly-shaped edge protrusion 2908 on circumferential edge 2911of spout 300 when spout 300 is engaged with base 302 such that a smooth,continuous surface is generated at the interface between base 302 andspout 300 at the rear of base 302.

Spout 300 may also include, in some implementations, a lowercircumferential structure 2913 configured to bear against upper ridges2904 and/or lower ridge structure 2906 while spout 300 is rotated withinopening 909 to guide spout 300 into an engaged or locked position. Lowercircumferential structure 2913 may include features such as protrusion2912 that help ensure the correct orientation of spout 300 when neck 905of spout 300 is inserted into opening 909. In some implementations,locking engagement features of spout 300 such as feature 2912 mayinteract with corresponding features on upper ridges 2904, lower ridgestructure 2906 and/or other locking engagement features such as bumps orbars thereon to provide a snap-fit engagement for spout 300 withinopening 909 when spout 300 is rotated into the engaged position.

For example, feature 2912 may have a circumferential shape thatcorresponds to the shape of rear cutout 2904 so that neck 905 can onlybe extended through opening 909 if feature 2912 and cutout 2900 arealigned. Accordingly, feature 2912 may have a shape that issubstantially similar to the shape of edge protrusion 2908. Feature 2912may be rotationally offset with respect to edge protrusion 2908 by adesired angle so that a corresponding predetermined rotation of spout300 (e.g., a quarter or 90 degree turn) of spout 300 can be performed toengage or disengage spout 300 from base 302.

FIG. 29 also shows an enlarged view of opening 602 and of gasket 900. Asshown, an internal latching structure 2930 may be disposed withinopening 602 and configured to capture a latching feature such aslatching features 306 or 306′ of lid 104 described above in connectionwith, for example, FIGS. 3 and 21. Internal latching structure 2930 maybe operatively coupled to button member 110 such that pressing button110 moves internal latching structure 2930 to disengage from thelatching feature of lid 104 to allow opening of lid 104. Internallatching structure 2930 may, for example, be an implementation ofinterface structure 2100 of FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 29, in someimplementations, gasket 900 may include two compressible circumferentialridges 2920 and 2922 disposed on opposing sides of a circumferentialrecess 2924.

FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of portablebeverage container 100 in which compressible circumferential ridges 2920and 2922 of gasket 900 are in a compressed configuration between neck905 of spout 300 and neck 906 of inner vessel 101. In the configurationof FIG. 30, gasket 900 can provide a seal that prevents liquid fromwithin inner vessel 101 from exiting inner vessel 1010 at any locationother than openings 314 and/or 900 of spout 300. Gasket 900 may alsoprovide a shock-absorbing function that allows resilient movement ofinner vessel 101 with respect to spout 300 in the event of a shock tocontainer 100, the resilient movement absorbing energy that couldotherwise be transferred to inner vessel 101 and cause damage thereto.

As shown in FIG. 30, an air gap 3000 may be provided between neck 906 ofinner vessel 101 and base 302 of cap 108 such that the interface betweencap 108 and inner vessel 101 is only through the intervening structuresof spout 300, in some implementations.

The cross-sectional view of FIG. 30 also shows protrusion 2910 of spout300 seated within cutout 2902, in one implementation, to form a smooth,continuous outer surface 3004 at the interface between spout 300 and cap108 at the front of container 100. Protrusion 2908 of spout 300 may beseated within cutout 2900 in one implementation to form a smooth,continuous outer surface 3007 at the interface between spout 300 and cap108 at the rear of container 100.

In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 30, a bottom surface 3008 of knob310 is shown forming a seal over openings 314 and 600 in the closedposition of lid 104. Recess 312 of elastomeric sealing member 308 isalso shown wrapped over and around lip 318 of spout 300 to form asecondary leak-prevention seal in the closed position of lid 104 shownin FIG. 30. It can also be seen that, if lid 104 is opened to anintermediate position in which bottom surface 3008 is spaced away fromopenings 314 and 600 while knob 310 is still substantially within recess316 of spout 300, any hot gas such as steam that is released from withininner vessel 101 through opening 314 and/or 600 will first impact thebottom surface of knob 310, then be directed along the sidewalls 3002 ofknob 310 to be redirected by recess 312 so that such hot gasses areprevented from exiting container 100 with a direct path to a user'sbody. In this way, injuries due to gasses from hot liquids in container100 can be reduced or eliminated.

In the example of FIG. 30, elastomeric sealing member 308 is shownhaving inner support structures 3006 and one or more gaps 3009 (e.g.,air gaps or evacuated gaps). However, this is merely illustrative. Insome implementations, elastomeric sealing member 308 may be providedwithout any internal gaps or may be constructed with other interiorgeometries to enhance the sealing and safety properties of container100.

FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of container 100 inwhich inner vessel 101 is secured within outer shell 102 and cap 108,with lid 104 in a closed position and spout 300 secured within cap 108.In the example implementation of FIG. 31, in the fully assembledconfiguration of container 100, threaded ring 2008 in engaged withthreaded ring 702 to secure cap 108 to outer shell 102 in a position inwhich upper shock absorption member 2010 is compressed against shoulder2011 of inner vessel 101. In this way, upper shock absorption member2010 can be arranged to cooperate with a lower shock absorption cup anda gasket such as gasket 900 around the neck of spout 300 to securely andresiliently secure inner vessel 101 within outer shell 102 and cap 108.

In the example of FIG. 31, the lower shock absorption cup is formed byan outer lower shock absorber 1606 (e.g., a silicone cup structureattached to or integrally formed with foot structure 112) and an innerlower shock absorber 1604 (e.g., a foam cup structure such as a Poron®foam cup structure). However, this is merely illustrative. In otherimplementations, inner vessel 101 may seat within a single lower shockabsorption cup formed from silicone, foam or another resilient material.

In the example of FIG. 31, inner vessel 101 includes a circumferentialridge 3100 (e.g., an integrally formed protrusion) that is seated withina corresponding recess in inner lower shock absorption member 1606. Inthis way, inner vessel 101 may be provided with features for a snap fitinto a seated position within outer shell 102, for stabilization priorto attachment of cap 108 to outer shell 102. However, this is merelyillustrative. In other implementations, circumferential ridge 3100 mayseat within a corresponding recess in a single lower shock absorptioncup, the shock absorption cup may include a protrusion that seats withina corresponding recess in inner vessel 101, or inner vessel 101 may beremovably secured within the lower shock absorption cup by a press fittherewith that is free of protrusion and recess structures.

In the examples of FIGS. 1-31, various exemplary implementations ofcomponents of portable beverage container 100, such as hinge 200 (e.g.,including hinge members 304 and 400), button 110, locking mechanism 111,upper shock absorber 2010, lower shock absorber 1600, elastomericsealing member 308, spout 300, tooth 306, and lid member 1300 have beendescribed. However, it should be appreciated that other implementationsof any or all of these components can be combined with the otherfeatures and components described in connection with FIGS. 1-31 asdesired.

Other exemplary implementations of hinge 200 (e.g., including hingemembers 304 and 400), button 110, locking mechanism 111, upper shockabsorber 2010, lower shock absorber 1600, elastomeric sealing member308, spout 300, tooth 306, and lid member 1300 are described below inconnection with FIGS. 32-60.

FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of cap 108 with lid 104 separated frombase 302 so that various hinge components can be seen. In particular,hinge member 400, compression spring 3208, pin 3206, torsion spring3200, filler springs 3202 and pin 402 for one implementation of thehinge between base 302 and lid 104 are shown. Torsion spring 3200 may(e.g., a double torsion spring) resides between the barrels of the upperand lower hinge members 304 and 400, with the hinge pin 402 passingthrough its loops. Torsion spring 3200 provides a spring force to openthe lid. FIG. 32 also shows an optional latch button 3204 (sometimesreferred to as a release button) compressible to unlatch spout 300 in animplementation in which an internal latching mechanism is provided tolock spout 300 in base 302. FIG. 33 shows an implementation of innervessel 101 having a protrusion 3100 on base 2002 as described above inconnection with, for example, FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 shows an exploded perspective view of base 302 and spout 300. Inthe example of FIG. 34, first base member 2013 (e.g., a rigid plasticmember) having openings 2012 and 2014 is secured to hinge member 400 byscrews 3400 (e.g., with intervening washers 3402) and to thread member2008 by screws 3412. FIG. 34 also shows how button 110 and lockingmember 111 may include a finger mechanism 3404, a button spring 3406 anda lockout spring 3408. Lockout spring 3408 may be mounted to linearprotrusions 3411 that also guide the movement of locking member 111.Button spring may be disposed over protrusion 3410 which also passesthrough an opening in finger mechanism 3404. FIG. 34 also shows animplementation of upper shock absorber 201 having a recess 3414 formounting to thread member 2008 and opening 3416 that allow drainagethrough upper shock absorber 2010 (e.g., into the space between innervessel 101 and shell 102. For assembly of base 302, hinge member 400 isfirst assembled into molded plastic member 2013. Button 110 and lockingmechanism 111 are assembled into the front of the thread member 2008,which is then inserted up into molded plastic member 2013. Screws 3142may then be turned to secure the resulting assembly together. Gasket 900may then be stretched onto spout 300, which can be inserted into theresulting base assembly and rotated to lock in place. Upper shockabsorber 2010 may then be pressed up into the bottom of the threadmember 2008.

FIG. 35 shows an exploded perspective view of lid 104. In the example ofFIG. 35, knob 310 of elastomeric sealing member 308 includes anadditional ridge 3500 (e.g., a ring-shaped ridge on the knob). Ridge3500 is sized and configured to be pressed to extend into opening 314 inspout 300 when cap 108 is attached to shell 102 and lid 104 is closed toprovide an additional seal that complements the seal formed by recess312 over the lip of spout 300 and to center sealing knob 310 on drinkinghole 314 in spout 300. As shown, lid member 1300 (in thisimplementation) includes an outer rib 3504 onto which an inner surfaceof knob 310 stretches and an inner rib 3506. Inner rib 3506 extends intoan interior cavity in the knob and pushes on an inner surface of knob310 to push knob 310 onto the surface of spout 300 and ridge 3500 intoopening 314 when lid 104 is closed. Molded lid member 1200 may beattached to lid member 1300 by screws 3508. In some examples, portionssuch as portions 3502 of elastomeric sealing member 308 (orcorresponding portions of lid member 1300) may be provided withprotrusions (not shown) that engage with fin 504, when lid 104 isclosed, to prevent rotation of spout 300 when lid 104 is closed. Forassembly of lid 104, handle 106 is snapped onto the lid member 1300,which is pressed into the molded lid member 1200 and secured with screws3508. Sealing member 308 presses into the lid member 1200 as describedherein.

FIGS. 36 and 37 show perspective views of hinge member 304 in animplementation in which hinge member 304 includes a base portion 3602configured to be overmolded into lid member 1200 and hinge barrel 3600extending from base portion 3602. Hinge barrel 3600 includes an opening3604 for receiving hinge pin 402 and notch 3606 that forms a portion ofa hinge detent that secures lid 104 in an open position untildeliberately closed by a user and prevents the lid from inadvertentlyclosing while the user is drinking from container 100. Base portion 3602also includes molding features such as arms 3608, openings 3610 andledge 3612 that help retain based portion 3602 within base portion 3602within lid member 1200. Ledge 3700 provides a landing platform for lidspring 3200.

FIGS. 38 and 39 show perspective views (front and rear) of tooth showingmolding features 3809 and 3902 for securing tooth 306 within lid member1200 such that a lower portion including opening 3800 (for receiving alatch portion of button 110) and a cam surface 3900 (for moving thelatch portion as lid 104 is closed) extend from lid member 1200 as shownin, for example, FIGS. 35, and 40-42. As shown in FIGS. 40-42, plastic4000 of lid member 1200 fills and surrounds the molding features oftooth 306 and plastic 4100 of lid member 1200 fills and surrounds themolding features of hinge member 304 to position and secure tooth 306and hinge member 304 within the lid member.

FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an assembledportable beverage container with cap 108 attached to shell 102 and lid104 closed such that ridge 3500 is pressed into opening 314 of spout 300to engage with inner edge 4300 of opening 314 by protrusion 3506 of lid104. Recess 312 is also shown extending over the lip of spout 300.

FIGS. 44-47 show various stages of the assembly of button 110 andlocking member 111 in accordance with some aspects. As shown in FIG. 4,compression spring 3406 may be placed onto cylindrical protrusion 3410and locking spring 3408 may be wrapped at least partially around linearprotrusions 3411. As shown in FIG. 45, locking mechanism 111 may then beplaced over locking spring 3408 such that locking bar 4500 extendslaterally therefrom under protrusion 3410. Finger mechanism 3404 andbutton member 110 may then be placed over protrusion 3410 by compressingspring 3406. Member 2013 may then be placed onto thread member 2008 suchthat button member 110 and locking member 111 extend, respectively intoopenings 2012 and 2014.

A rear perspective view of button member 110 and finger mechanism 3404is shown in FIG. 48. As shown in FIG. 48, an interior surface of buttonmember 110 may include rib surfaces 4800 that contact locking bar 4500when locking mechanism 111 is raised into a locked position (to preventactuation of button member 110 and finger mechanism 3404), protrusions4802 that form a pivot surface for pivot section 4812 of fingermechanism 3404, pin protrusion 4804 that extends into an opening inthread member 2008 to provide a smooth, guided linear motion of button110 and finger mechanism 3404 when button member 110 is pushed orreleased, and ribs 4806 that prevent finger mechanism 3404 from rotatingtoo far forward.

FIG. 49 shows a cross-sectional side view of button member 110 andpivotable finger mechanism 3404 showing how pivot portion 4812 of fingermechanism 3404 may rotate (see, e.g., arrow 4902) in a recess 4900formed, in part by protrusions 4802. Finger mechanism 3404 may berotated when cam surface 3900 of tooth 306 contacts cam surface 4810 offinger mechanism 3404. FIG. 49 also shows arrows 4910 that indicate thedirection of linear movement of both button member 110 and fingermechanism 3404, as guided along axis 4906 of pin 4804, when buttonmember 110 is pushed or released. Axis 4906 is positioned above thepivot axis of finger mechanism 3404 (at pivot portion 4812), so thatspring 3406 always pushes the finger mechanism 3404 forward.

FIG. 49 also shows a gap 4904 between finger mechanism 3404 and pushingribs 4806 of the button member 110 (when the finger mechanism 3404 is ina latched position). Gap 4904 prevents button member 110 fromdisengaging latch recess 4913 from tooth 306 which would otherwise poplid 104 open during drop events for container 100. A zero-draft bottomsurface 4922 of button member 110 may ride on corresponding zero-draftribs in the thread member 2008, providing an anti-rotation function forbutton member 110.

FIGS. 50, 51, and 52 show cross-sectional side views a portion ofportable beverage container in a latched configuration (5000), alid-opening configuration (5002), and a lid-closing configuration (5004)respectively in accordance w. In latched configuration 5000, tooth 306is latched in latching recess 4913 with a portion of finger mechanism3404 extending into opening 3800 of tooth 306. Spring 3406 (not visiblein FIG. 50) pushes finger mechanism 3404 outward, which pushes thebutton member 110 outward. Lip 5042 of button member 110 catches oninside of opening 2012. In lid-opening configuration 5002, as button 110is pressed in, finger mechanism 3404 follows straight back, compressingspring 3406, noting that, if lockout bar 4500 was raised into a lockedposition, button member 110 would be prevented from moving from latchedconfiguration 5000 to lid-opening configuration 5002. In lid-closingconfiguration 5004, as lid 104 closes, cam surface 3900 of tooth 306bears against cam surface 4810 of the latch hook of finger mechanism3404 causing finger mechanism 3404 to pivot backwards allowing tooth 306to be extended downward until finger mechanism 3404 snaps back intolatched configuration 5000. As tooth 306 is extended downward by theclosing of lid 104, button member 110 remains pushed out by spring 3406and is therefore rattle-free.

FIGS. 53-55 show various features of hinge 200 in a configuration inwhich a detent is provided that, when lid 104 is in a fully openposition, prevents the lid from falling closed (e.g., while the user isdrinking from spout 300). As shown in FIG. 53, pin 3206 includes acylindrical shaft 5300, a head 5306 having a linear protrusion 5304, anda notch 5302 in the cylindrical shaft. FIG. 54 shows a front view of pin3206 disposed in a cavity in hinge member 400 such that head 5306 issubstantially flush with an outer surface of hinge member 400 andprotrusion 5304 extends beyond the outer surface. FIG. 55 shows a rearview of pin 3206 in which a flat surface formed by notch 5302 bearsagainst a correspondingly shaped surface of a rear opening in hingemember 400 to prevent rotation of pin 3206. FIG. 56 shows across-sectional side view of a portion of portable beverage container100, with lid 104 in a fully-open position and hinge member 400 mountedin base 302. As shown, the detent mechanism includes pin 3206 as aspring-loaded detent pin that is pushed outward by spring 3208 andguided by contacts 5600 between head 5306 and a cavity within hingemember 400 (in which pin 3206 and spring 3208 are disposed). Duringrotation of lid 104, protrusion 5304 rides against a cam surface onhinge barrel 3600 of hinge member 304 mounted in lid 104 and “falls”into notch 3606 in barrel 3600 to secure the lid in the fully openposition until the user applies enough rotational force on the lid tocompress spring 3208 to move protrusion 5304 out of notch 3606.

FIG. 57 shows a cross-sectional view of spout 300 in an implementationin which the spout has been formed in a two-shot molding process using adouble shot of the same material (e.g., a clear Grilamid® nylon 12material). As shown in FIG. 57, a first shot 5700 and a second shot 5704can be used to form neck 905 and thick-walled portions of spout 300 nearthe peaks 5702 of the first shot. First shot 5700 includes the neck 905of spout 300 with snap fingers 5710 (for snapping spout 300 into alocked position in cap 108) and gasket ribs 5712. Second shot 5704 maybe mostly a consistent thickness wall (e.g., a 2 mm wall) over the topof first shot 5700 with additional thickness at various locations toform the angled lip and rear fin of spout 300 as described herein.Although there is a visible interface between the two shots in FIG. 57,this is merely for illustrative purposes for this discussion and thefinal spout 300 may be a substantially clear monolithic part without avisible interface between the two shots.

FIGS. 58-61 show various aspects of upper shock absorber 2010 and lowershock absorber 1600 that may be provided in portable beverage container100. FIG. 58 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion ofcontainer 100 with upper shock absorber 2010 compressed between innervessel 101 and thread member 2008 of cap 108 while cap 108 is attachedto outer shell 102. FIG. 59 shows upper shock absorber 2010 separatelyfor clarity. As shown in FIG. 58, upper shock absorber 2010 may beretained on thread member 2008 by “snapping” recess 3414 over one ormore ledges 5800 around an inner periphery of thread member 2008. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 58, upper shock absorber 2010 competes withspout gasket (not visible in FIG. 58) in guiding the neck of innervessel 101 to be concentric with spout 300 and cap 108. In thisconfiguration, upper shock absorber 2010 provides the most absorption inthe axial or vertical direction (as indicated by arrows 5802 and less inthe radial or horizontal directions (as indicated by arrows 5804). Forceis transferred through the thick wall of absorber 2010 vertically up toshelf 5806 in the thread member 2008. Lesser forces are transferredhorizontally because the spout gasket is also contributing to shockabsorption in the horizontal/radial directions.

FIG. 61 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion ofcontainer 100 with lower shock absorber 1600 disposed between innervessel 101 and shell 102. FIG. 60 shows lower shock absorber 1600separately for clarity. As shown in the example of FIG. 60, lower shockabsorber 1600 includes drainage channels 6100 that allow condensationfrom the exterior of inner vessel 101 to drain down an out of thecontainer at the bottom, rather than spill onto the user when theydrink. Ribs 6102 on the outside of absorber 1600 save weight and flex toabsorb shock energy. Lower shock absorber 1600 also includes acircumferential recess 6200 configured to receive circumferentialprotrusion 3100 on inner vessel 101 to provide a snap fit securement ofvessel 101 within shell 102. In the configuration of FIG. 61, lowershock absorber 1600 is retained on a small inward rim 6000 at the bottomof shell 102 by a recess 6104 that fits over and onto rim 6000. In theconfiguration of FIGS. 60 and 61, a bottom surface of lower shockabsorber 1600 forms the bottom surface of the fully assembled portablebeverage container 100.

FIG. 62 shows a top view of portable beverage container 100 (with lid104 removed), in an example in which spout 300 and base 302 of cap 108are implemented with cooperating latching features. As shown through thetransparent material of spout 300 in the example of FIG. 62, spout 300may include alignment protrusions 6200 configured to pass throughcorresponding alignment openings 6204 on an internal shelf within base302 when spout 300 is rotated for insertion or removal from cap 108. Asspout 300 is inserted into cap 108 with alignment protrusions 6200aligned with alignment openings 6204 as shown in FIG. 62, an interiorsurface of spout 300 pushes downward on a raised knob 6206 on releasebutton 3204, thereby compressing a spring (not visible in FIG. 62) thatbiases button 3204 upward. In order to lock spout 300 within base 302,spout 300 is rotated (as indicated by arrow 6210) until a recess 6208 onthe interior surface of spout 300 aligns with knob 3204 and knob 3204“falls” upward due to the force of the spring into recess 6208, therebylocking spout 300 from rotation until the user compresses button 3204 torelease the spout.

In accordance with various implementations, a portable beveragecontainer is disclosed herein that provides a more hygienic,damage-resistant product for storing and carrying liquids such asdrinkable liquids.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series ofitems, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items,modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e.,each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection ofat least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes atleast one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of anycombination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. Byway of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at leastone of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; anycombination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the likeis used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Allstructural and functional equivalents to the elements of the variousconfigurations described throughout this disclosure that are known orlater come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art areexpressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to beencompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosedherein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whethersuch disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but ratheras descriptions of particular implementations of the subject matter.Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate aspects can also be implemented in combination in a singleaspect. Conversely, various features that are described in the contextof a single aspects can also be implemented in multiple aspectsseparately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, althoughfeatures may be described above as acting in certain combinations andeven initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimedcombination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and theclaimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation ofa sub combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel operationsmay be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various systemcomponents in the aspects described above should not be understood asrequiring such separation in all aspects, and it should be understoodthat the described components and systems can generally be integratedtogether in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

The subject matter of this specification has been described in terms ofparticular aspects, but other aspects can be implemented and are withinthe scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited inthe claims can be performed in a different order and still achievedesirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in theaccompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular ordershown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certainimplementations, multitasking and parallel processing may beadvantageous. Other variations are within the scope of the followingclaims.

These and other implementations are within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable beverage container, comprising: an outer shell; a cap comprising: a base configured to engage with the outer shell, and a lid coupled to the base by a hinge, wherein the lid comprises an elastomeric sealing member defining an internal surface of the lid, the elastomeric sealing member comprising: a knob that protrudes from the internal surface, and a recess that runs around the knob; an inner vessel configured to be secured within the outer shell; and a spout configured to securely engage with the base of the cap, wherein the spout comprises: a recess having an opening that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the inner vessel; and a lip surrounding the recess, wherein, in a closed position for the lid with the spout engaged with the cap, the knob is sealingly disposed within the recess of the spout and the recess of the elastomeric sealing member wraps over and against the lip of the spout.
 2. The portable beverage container of claim 1, wherein the knob includes a ridge configured to extend into the opening in the recess of the spout.
 3. The portable beverage container of claim 1, wherein the spout is removable from the cap while the cap is secured to the outer shell.
 4. The portable beverage container of claim 3, wherein the hinge comprises: a first hinge member mounted in the base, the first hinge member comprising a spring-loaded detent pin having a head with a protrusion; and a second hinge member mounted in the lid, wherein the second hinge member comprises a hinge barrel having a notch configured to receive the protrusion.
 5. The portable beverage container of claim 1, wherein the spout comprises a gasket extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the spout, the gasket sealing against a neck of the inner vessel when positioned within the neck.
 6. The portable beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a latching mechanism on the lid configured to be engaged within an opening in the base when the lid is in a closed position to secure the lid in the closed position.
 7. The portable beverage container of claim 1, wherein the spout comprises engagement features configured to lockingly engage with corresponding engagement features on the cap.
 8. A cap for a portable beverage container, the cap comprising: a base configured to engage with an outer shell of the portable beverage container, and a lid coupled to the base by a hinge, wherein the lid comprises an elastomeric sealing member defining an internal surface of the lid, the elastomeric sealing member comprising: a knob that protrudes from the internal surface, and a recess that runs around the knob; and a spout configured to securely engage with the base and an inner vessel within the outer shell, wherein the spout comprises: a recess having an opening that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the inner vessel; and a lip surrounding the recess, wherein, in a closed position for the lid with the spout engaged with the cap, the knob is sealingly disposed within the recess of the spout and the recess of the elastomeric sealing member wraps over and against the lip of the spout.
 9. The cap of claim 8, wherein the knob includes a ridge configured to extend into the opening in the recess of the spout.
 10. The portable beverage container of claim 8, wherein the spout is removable from the cap while the cap is secured to the outer shell.
 11. The portable beverage container of claim 10, wherein the hinge comprises: a first hinge member mounted in the base, the first hinge member comprising a spring-loaded detent pin having a head with a protrusion; and a second hinge member mounted in the lid, wherein the second hinge member comprises a hinge barrel having a notch configured to receive the protrusion.
 12. The cap of claim 8, further comprising a latching mechanism on the lid configured to be engaged within an opening in the base when the lid is in a closed position to secure the lid in the closed position.
 13. A cap for a portable beverage container, the cap comprising: a base configured to engage with an outer shell of the portable beverage container, and a spout configured to securely engage with the base and an inner vessel within the outer shell, wherein the spout comprises: a recess having an opening that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the inner vessel; and a lip surrounding the recess; a lid coupled to the base by a hinge, wherein the lid comprises an elastomeric sealing member defining an internal surface of the lid, the elastomeric sealing member comprising: a knob that protrudes from the internal surface, and a recess that runs around the knob; and an outer rib onto which an inner surface of the knob stretches; and an inner rib within the outer rib, the inner rib extending into an interior cavity in the knob and pushing on an inner surface of the knob to push the knob into the recess of the spout and to the opening of the spout when the lid is closed.
 14. The cap of claim 13, wherein the knob includes a ridge configured to extend into the opening in the recess of the spout.
 15. The cap of claim 13, wherein, in a closed position for the lid with the spout engaged with the cap, the knob is sealingly disposed within the recess of the spout and the recess of the elastomeric sealing member wraps over and against the lip of the spout.
 16. The portable beverage container of claim 13, wherein the spout is removable from the cap while the cap is secured to the outer shell.
 17. The portable beverage container of claim 16, wherein the hinge comprises: a first hinge member mounted in the base, the first hinge member comprising a spring-loaded detent pin having a head with a protrusion; and a second hinge member mounted in the lid, wherein the second hinge member comprises a hinge barrel having a notch configured to receive the protrusion.
 18. The cap of claim 13, wherein the inner rib extends farther into the interior cavity in the knob than does the outer rib.
 19. The cap of claim 13, wherein each of the inner rib and the outer rib forms an annular shape.
 20. The cap of claim 13, further comprising a latching mechanism on the lid configured to be engaged within an opening in the base when the lid is in a closed position to secure the lid in the closed position. 